A Word from Father Stokely
Christ is risen, Alleluia. He is risen indeed, Alleluia!
“Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his mercy endures forever.” On this Divine Mercy Sunday, we celebrate the gift of God’s infinite and unreserved mercy. Through the Paschal Mystery, Jesus reveals that God is a Father of Mercy who rescues us from sin and death through Christ his Son.
May we open our hearts today to the gift of mercy and receive its healing and transformative power into our lives. Fr. John Stokely
Dramatic Gospel Presentation
Come out on Sunday, April 22, at 7:00 PM for an evening that is both entertaining and eye-opening. Emmy award winning actor Frank Runyeon will bring to life the famous parables from Luke's travel narrative during his performance of Luke: Stories on the Road. Frank will take us on a journey from Nazareth to Jerusalem while weaving in stories from his own life in order to help us hear the parables as stories about our own lives here in the present. Bring the family and your friends - the presentation is free to all!
Senior Adult Ministry (SAM)
Don’t miss the next Lunch and Learn this Thursday, April 12. The guest speaker will be Philadelphia native Jim Murray. Mr. Murray is a former general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles and the co-founder of the first Ronald Mc Donald house in Philadelphia. All those who are 60+ are invited at 10:30 AM for the talk, followed by lunch. You are welcome to bring a salad or dessert! RSVP to Gen Miceli (610-646-6550 or
2018 Stewardship Day of Service
Last call to participate in the Stewardship Day of Service next Saturday, April 14. Although registration is now closed, there are still a few openings for additional volunteers. For more info, call the Parish Services Office (610-646-6550) by the end of the day on Monday. All those already registered are reminded that the SDOS program begins with Mass in church at 8:30 AM this coming Saturday morning.
Mass Intentions for the Week
April 7-8: Second Sunday of Easter-Divine Mercy
Saturday, 5:30 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Sean Kopishke
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Margaret Clark (9th Ann)
Sunday, 11:30 AM- John Kilty (42nd Ann)
Monday, 7:30 AM- Kevin Dillon
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Richard Sylvester (10th Ann)
Wednesday, 7:30 AM- Gloria San Giacomo & Marian Rainone
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Anthony & Josephine Spino &
Daniel & Gertrude Keating
Friday, 7:30 AM- Peter Lubin (1st Ann)
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Helena Mitchell (1st Ann)
April 14-15:Third Sunday of Easter
Saturday, 5:30 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Paul Logue
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Patricia Douts (1st Ann)
Sunday, 11:30 AM- John Fiorillo, Sr.
Readings: Acts of the Apostles 3/13-15, 17-19; Psalm 4; 1 John 2/1-5a; Luke 24/35-48
Miraculous Medal Novena: All are welcome to come for novena prayers to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal on Saturday mornings at 7:50 AM, followed by a Rosary for Life at 8:00 AM in the daily Mass chapel.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Exposition is normally held in the daily Mass chapel on Mondays between 8:00 AM and 8:30 PM.
Prayer Corner
Please pray for all those who are ill, including Amy Armstrong; Robert Brady; Hannah Deese; Chiara Scotto Di Marco; Frieda Hoffmann; Daniel Keating; Virginia Korom; Elizabeth Lien; Sandra Martin; Catherine Micucci; Maryann Munn; Mary Ann Obyc; John Oulton; Daniel Patterson; Jane Rolen; Catherine Tyas; William Wrzesnewski and Edward Wysocki.
We also remember those who have died including parishioner Karen Hanna; Jerome Fuhr, brother-in-law of Ruth Del Vecchio; Doris Cullen, sister-in-law of Deacon James Mc Avoy and Anna Ngoc Phan, mother of Amy Poliski. May all our departed loved ones rest in peace!
RCIA News
RCIA Inquiry: Do you know someone who is searching for life's meaning, for community? Or someone who has asked about the Catholic faith? Please invite them to learn more about the RCIA by contacting DRE Beth Riordan (
Adult Faith Formation: FORMED
Have you signed up for FORMED? The parish has purchased a subscription for this online portal, a kind of Catholic Netflix, that offers videos, books, children's materials and more. To sign up for your free parish membership, go to STE.Formed.org and "register now." Enter your name, email address, create a password and you're in! Explore the movies under “Watch” and/or have a look around and enjoy all that FORMED offers!
First Holy Communion News
Congratulations to the following children who are receiving First Holy Communion at the 9:30 AM Mass next weekend: Clara Greiner; Kylie Hoelzle; Cameron McNulty; Matthew McHugh; Avery Quay; Brynn Quinlan and Gavin Schaeffer. Kudos to one and all!
Queen of Peace Prayer Group
A group of parishioners meet in the chapel at 1:00 PM each Friday to pray the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Why not find some time for peace and quiet and prayer? All are welcome to join us when possible.
Legion of Mary News
The Legion of Mary sponsors a traveling statue of Our Lady of Fatima. You are invited to welcome the Pilgrim Virgin statue into your home for a one-week visit. The primary purpose of the home family visitation program is to aid families in responding to the requests made by Mary during her apparitions at Fatima. Her call is threefold: Return to God; Make reparation for sins; and Pray the Rosary as a family. To schedule a week to host the Pilgrim Virgin in your home, please contact Candy Scheidel (
Did you know that any practicing Catholic can be a member of the Legion of Mary? The Legion has been active in the United States since 1931, has known continuous Papal approval and was endorsed by the Second Vatican Council. For more information contact Janet Van Alstyne (
Parish School News
Living Stations of the Cross: A special thank you goes out to all our eighth graders and their adult moderators, Mrs. Maria Fraser, Mrs. Jennifer D’Amelio, Mrs. Louise Shanley and Ms. Nicole Gingrich for the prayerful and inspiring presentation of the Living Stations of the Cross on Friday, March 23.
Peacemakers: Congratulations to the students who earned the Peacemaker Award for responsibility at the First Friday Mass on April 6. May we all learn from your good example!
Applications for 2018-2019: We are already planning for a great 2018-2019 school year, and we would like your family to be a part of it! Please contact Mrs. Liz Oulton (610-646-6540) to arrange for a tour and to pick up application materials.
Parish School Facebook Page: To see the latest photos and videos of what our students have been up to, please visit www.facebook.com/SaintElizabethParishSchool. It’s another great way to stay informed!
PA EITC/OSTC Tax Credit Program
This tax credit program benefits both Catholic schools and the individual and corporate donors by redirecting donor tax dollars to a designated school. Individual parishioners can participate in EITC through our Tuition Care Special Purpose Entity (SPE), while businesses can join the EITC/OSTC program and designate Saint Elizabeth Parish School as the recipient of their tax credits.
On the weekend of April 28-29, we will have a short informational presentation at the end of Mass to encourage participation in the EITC/OSTC Tax Credit Program. There will also be an EITC Cocktail Reception sponsored by The Foundation for Catholic Education on Thursday, May 10, 5:30-7:30 PM at Maggiano’s Restaurant in King of Prussia. More detailed information will be available shortly.
Pastoral Outreach
Casserole Collection: Thank you to all who prepared casseroles for this weekend’s collection, and for your continued generosity to the clients of St. John’s Hospice in Center City Philadelphia throughout the year. If you have any questions about the program, please contact Jen Bauhaus (
Baptism News
In addition to those baptized at this year’s Easter Vigil (Roxanne Barrett, Jennifer & baby Liam Martin Citrullo, David Gober and Isaiah Moore), Saint Elizabeth parish also welcomes into the Body of Christ the following infants baptized in March: Leon Edwin Lopez; Natalie Grace Cannon, Henry Chiock Kim and James Andrew Seifert. Congratulations to them and their godparents!
The next session of Pre-Jordan II: A Call to Christian Parenting, will be held this Saturday, April 14, and the next session of Pre-Jordan I: Your Baby’s Baptism will be held on Saturday, May 12. Both programs begin at 10:30 AM in the ministry center. To register for a Pre-Jordan Program and/or to arrange for a baptism, call 610-321-1200.
Confirmation News
Bishop John McIntyre will celebrate Confirmation at Saint Elizabeth on Saturday, April 28, at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Confirmation rehearsals for candidates (not their sponsors) will be held on Wednesday, April 25, at 6:00 PM for the 10:00 AM Confirmation liturgy, and at 7:30 PM for the 2:00 PM liturgy. Rehearsals begin in the social hall and conclude in the church. Questions about the Confirmation liturgies may be directed to Gen Miceli (610-646-6550).
Walking With Purpose
Are you seeking to grow in the Catholic faith while connecting with other women in our parish community? Come to a Coffee Connect in the St. Matthew conference room on Wednesday, April 18, between 9:00 and 11:00 AM. For questions or to RSVP, please contact Ginny Swiatek (
Youth Ministry News
Get Involved Now! For information about youth ministry at Saint Elizabeth, go to the front page of the parish website (www.stelizabethparish.org) or email Ryan Schwalm (
High School Music Ministry: Meets weekly on Mondays at 7:00 PM in the CLC.
High School Youth Group (Grades 9-12): Meets weekly on Tuesday nights in the CLC, 7:00-8:30 PM.
Middle School & 8th Grade Youth Groups: Both groups will meet on Wednesday, April 18, at 5:30 PM.
2018 Catholic Charities Appeal
The 2018 Appeal is being conducted now through May. This year's theme, 60 Years of Giving Hope to All, reflects the broad focus of the Catholic Charities appeal in supporting close to 180 beneficiaries. Brochures and donation envelopes are available in the church narthex.
2017-2021 Pastoral Plan
The newly-completed pastoral plan serves as a guide to our spiritual growth as disciples and members of the Body of Christ and was developed upon the foundation of our previous pastoral plans. The new plan reflects where we are and where we are called to go as a parish community.
The 2017-2021 Pastoral Plan includes a new vision, an updated mission, a set of core parish values for living as faithful disciples and a set of six pastoral goals and objectives. For more information, please visit the parish website at: www.stelizabethparish.org.
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for March 24-25
Weekend Contributions: $24,600.10
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,913.10]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $ 7,686.50
Total Regular Collection: $32,286.60
Number of adult envelope contributions: 691
Auto-Giving: Parishioners can contribute to the regular collection on a weekly or monthly basis with direct debits or automatic withdrawals from your checking or savings account. More than 300 parishioners are already using Auto-Giving. To enroll, please call Sam Venuti in the parish business office (610-646-6515).
Easter Collection: Thank you to the 734 donors who contributed a total of $64,479.91 to this year’s Easter collection, in addition to their regular weekly donations for the past weekend.
Upcoming Meetings & Activities
For a complete schedule of upcoming meetings, parish activities and other events, check out the online parish bulletin at www.stelizabethparish.org.
Happy Easter Season to One and All!
Upcoming Meetings & Events
RCIA: Mondays, 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist
High School Music Ministry: Mondays, 7:00 PM, CLC
CRHP Men’s Team: Monday (4/9), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, CLC
Divorced & Separated: Tuesdays (thru 4/24), 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
Walking With Purpose: Wednesdays, 9:00 AM, St. Matthew & St. Mark
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
CRHP Women’s Team: Wednesday (4/11), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
SDOS Planning Team: Wednesday (4/11), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Girl Scouts: Wednesday (4/11), 7:00 PM, social hall
SAM Lunch & Learn: Thursday (4/12), 10:30 AM, St. Matthew/St. Mark
Parish Youth Council: Thursday (4/12), 6:00 PM, CLC
Women at the Well: Thursdays, 7:00 PM & Fridays, 9:00 AM, St. Mark
SDOS Day of Service: Saturday (4/14), 8:30 AM, church and social hall
Pre-Jordan II: Saturday (4/14), 10:30 AM, St. Matthew/St. Mark
Kindergarten Daisies: Monday (4/16), 3:30 PM, art room
Sister Parish Planning Team: Monday (4/16), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Finance Council: Monday (4/16), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Joseph’s People: Monday (4/16), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
CRHP Men’s Team: Monday (4/16), 7:00 PM, Holy Family
Pastoral Council: Tuesday (4/17), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Chosen Fathers: Tuesday (4/17), 7:30 PM, St. Mark
Walking With Purpose-Connect Coffee: Wednesday (4/18), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Middle School & 8th Grade Youth Group: Wednesday (4/18), 5:30 PM, gym & St. John the Baptist
Cub Scout Den Meeting: Wednesday (4/18), 6:00 PM), CLC, art room, teachers’ lounge
Frank Runyeon Gospel Presentation: Sunday (4/22), 7:00 PM, church and social hall
OTHER ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST
Bishop Shanahan High School: Please join us for our 6th, 7th & 8th grade Spring Open House on Wednesday, April 11. For more information and to register for the Open House call 610-343-6206 or visit shanahan.org/admissions.
Downingtown High School East: Downingtown East Theatre present “Sister Act” the musical on April 12, 13 and 14 at 7:30 PM and April 15 at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $16 for adults, $12 for seniors and students. 15% off for groups of 10 or more. Tickets available on line at downingtowneasttheatre.
com. St. Elizabeth parishioners Renee Agsten and Nicole Lawrie will be performing in the show.
Malvern Retreat House: Join us for a 24-hour healing retreat “From Defiance to Reliance: Navi-
gating Your Spiritual Life Amidst the Chaos of Addictions” on June 22-23. This retreat is sponsored by Malvern Retreat House and Gethsemani Way and is for men and women seeking help for themselves, loved ones, spouse or family. It is an ecumenical retreat. Register online at malvernretreat.com or call 610-644-0400. For more information about this retreat, contact Mark
Christmyer at
Pope John Paul II High School, Royersford: Are you thinking of the cool breezes of summer? Have you had enough snow? Come experience “Panthers in the Sand” - Savor the Flavor, on Saturday, April 14, 7:00-11:00 PM at the school. Join us for our annual restaurant faire, auction and basket raffle! Tickets on sale now! For more information visit www.pjphs.org>Alumni>Special Events>Savor the Flavor.
Sacred Heart Parish, Royersford: Join us on Saturday, April 14 for a Mass for those suffering from addiction, their families and friends. There will be a Procession & Rosary at 11:00 AM, with time for confession, and Mass at 12:00 PM. The celebrant is Reverend Tadeusz Gorka, Pastor. Addiction has touched far too many families and taken far too many of our loved ones. Join us that we may draw strength from one another in the power of our faith.
St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Phoenixville: Pre-Cana Program on Saturday, April 14, beginning at 9:00 AM and ending after the 4:00 PM Mass. This one-day program meets all the requirements of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. A certificate is provided upon completion. Call the Parish Office for an application (610-933-2526) or visit the website (www.stmaryassumption.org) and click on Forms/Pre Cana.
Saint Peter Church, West Brandywine: The Saint Peter parish Respect Life Committee is sponsoring a free seminar on the Creighton Model Fertility Care System on Monday, April 16, 7:00-9:00 PM. The Creighton Model uses a far superior treatment for infertility than IVF and more viable alternatives than the birth control pill to avoid pregnancy or treat women’s health issues. For questions contact Marie DiCecco (610-202-4751) or visit http:/popepaulvi.com for more information on the Creighton Model System. Come on April 16 to learn about this new Women’s Health Science.
The Players Club Theater of Swarthmore: PCTS will be presenting “Jesus Christ Superstar” on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, April 20-22; Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, April 26-29 and Thursday, Friday, Saturday, May 3-5. Performance times are 7:30 PM on Thursday, 8:00 PM on Friday & Saturday and 2:00 PM on Sunday. Lobby doors open one hour prior to curtain time. Tickets are $25, students $13. Order on line at www.pcstheater.org or call 866-811-4111. For more information call 610-328-4271. Group rates available for 15 or more people. Email
Villa Maria Academy High School: Preview Breakfast for 6th & 7th grade families on April 17 & 20. This will offer a “sneak peak” at Villa Maria’s high school life. The 7th grade Practice Exam will be administered on Saturdays, April 21 & 28. 7th grade visit days will be held on May 14 & 15. Visitors will receive a preview of our school community by attending classes and having lunch with students. For more info, call the Admissions office at 610-644-2551 or register at www.vmahs.org.
You Are Made New Ministry: Calling Catholic women of all ages to the Spring 2018 Freedom Retreat, Friday evening, April 27, and Saturday, April 28, at the Pope John Paul II High School in Royersford. Registration is $75. For more information and to register contact De Yarrison at 610-287-2989 or visit www.YouAreMadeNew.com.
Our Lady of Peace Parish, Swarthmore: Dance down memory lane with your family and friends as you listen to the “Sensational Soul Cruisers” on April 28, 7:00-11:00 PM, in Nelson Hall at Notre Dame de Lourdes School, 990 Fairview Road, Swarthmore. Tickets are $35 per person and tables can be reserved. Call the OLP Rectory (610-328-9330) or Debbie Hanna (215-520-2097) for tickets.
Villa Maria Lower School: There will be Storytimes on April 12 & May 3 at 10:00 AM at the school for children ages 2-5 and a parent or caregiver. The event is free. RSVP at www.villamaria.org or email Erin at
Villa Maria Free Parent Speaker: Join us on Thursday, April 26, 7:00 PM, at the VMA Lower School Auditorium for our last speaker of the school year. Sr. Patricia McCormick, IHM, Ed.D., will speak on “Raising Christian Children in Today’s World”. This talk is open to all interested parents and educators. RSVP on the website (www.villamaria.org). Please contact Erin Tomambe (
Holy Martyrs, Oreland, PA: Explore the “Wines and Shrines of Portugal” with host Diana von Glahn, The Faithful Traveler (as seen on EWTN & Catholic TV) on Saturday, April 28, 6:00-9:00 PM. Cost is $50 per person. For tickets email
John W. Hallanhan CGHS Alumnae Association: Annual “50 years and Beyond” luncheon, Wednesday, May 2, at Constatter Volksfest-Verein, 9130 Academy Road. Cost $35 per person and $20 for religious. For more information and/or to purchase tickets contact Chairperson, Marge West Kiefski ‘66 (215-913-4482 or
Saint Mary of the Assumption, Phoenixville: Come to the AMG Doll Bingo on Sunday, May 6. Doors open at 1:00 PM and Bingo begins at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for kids. For info and tickets call 610-933-2526.
One Run Together’s Creamery Hustle Fun Walk and 5K Race: Join us at 9:00 AM on Saturday, May 12 at Penn State Berks, 1801 Broadcasting Road, Reading, for the 1 Mile Fun Walk and 5K Race benefitting local cancer patients in need. All runners and walkers that register receive two scoops of Penn State Berkey Creamery Ice Cream. Families are welcome! For registration information, please call 484-844-1249 or visit www.oneruntogether.org.
Warrior Spirit Youth Lacrosse Camps: Boost skill, build character, be a warrior! Our Lacrosse camp runs from Monday, June 18-Thursday, June 21, 8:30 AM-3:00 PM at Great Valley Middle School. $275 for 4 full days (sibling discount available). Open to boys 11-14 years old (grades 5, 6, 7 & 8). Custom strung stick included with registration. Register at warriorspiritlax.com. Camp is run by parishioner Jason Wolensky.
Vocation Office for the Diocesan Priesthood: Brothers of Borromeo Vocation Camp (BBVC) will be held on July 13. Boys in grades 6-8 (rising 6th graders to graduated 8th graders) are invited to gather at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. The day includes games, activities, great talks, powerful prayer & Mass, lunch and dinner. For more information, visit HeedTheCall.org/event/BBVC.
Quo Vadis Days-June 25-28: This 4-day, 3-night camp held at Black Rock Retreat Center, is an annual favorite for high school aged men (incoming freshmen to graduated seniors). The camp includes daily Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, outdoor activities, a ropes course, powerful prayer, great talks, and an opportunity to interact with the Philadelphia seminarians. For more information, visit HeedTheCall.org/event/quovadis. Although both camps are held in English, registration forms are provided in Spanish to assist in registration.
St. Jude Shop, Inc.: The DiCocco Family St. Jude Shop of Havertown invites you to visit their Chester County location on the south side of Our Lady’s Hall at the Malvern Retreat House in Malvern. The store offers a beautiful selection of religious gifts for First Communion, Confirmation and other events. Contact the store at 484-321-2537 for directions and store hours.
Actor Frank Runyeon to Present
Luke: Stories on the Road
at Saint Elizabeth on Sunday, April 22
Emmy award winning actor Frank Runyeon will deliver a dramatic interpretation of the famous parables in Luke’s travel narrative at Saint Elizabeth Church on Sunday evening, April 22 at 7:00 PM.
During the performance, the audience will accompany Jesus on a journey from Nazareth to Jerusalem and hear the same stories Jesus shared with the disciples. Frank will reflect on how we hear each story – and how we may be missing the message Jesus intended.
Over the past 20 years, Mr. Runyeon has received national acclaim for his work as a translator and performer of Biblical texts. He has performed the Gospel for hundreds of thousands of people in virtually every state in America.
He is probably best known, however, for his many roles on television. He starred for 7 years as Steve Andropoulos on As the World Turns opposite Meg Ryan, and for 4 years as Father Michael Donnelly on the award-winning Santa Barbara.
A reception with Frank will follow immediately after the performance, where light refreshments will be served. This all-age performance is free and open to the public.
SAVE THE DATE!
Would you like to learn more about the quickest , easiest, and surest way to holiness?
Join the Legion of Mary for a presentation on the
Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary
by Beth Riordan, DRE
Thursday, April 26 at 7:00 pm
in the St. Matthew Room
Participants will receive a copy of Fr. Hugh Gillespie’s book,
Preparation for Total Consecration to Jesus Christ Through Mary
After the presentation, there will be more information about a parish-wide consecration on
Thursday, May 31 at 7:00 pm
For more information, contact Janet Van Alstyne at 610-533-1038
or to register, email